Texas Man Charged with Supporting ISIS and Plotting Attacks in Houston

A Texas man accused of supporting the Islamic State group (ISIS) and planning terrorist attacks in Houston appeared in federal court on Thursday, pleading not guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

Allegations Against Anas Said

Anas Said, 28, of Houston, is accused of offering his residence as a safe haven for ISIS members and expressing a desire to participate in large-scale attacks similar to 9/11. Prosecutors allege Said actively researched bomb-making techniques and remote detonation methods using cellphones.

Court documents reveal Said created propaganda videos glorifying ISIS, advocating for violence, and encouraging continued acts of terrorism. “He is dedicated to his mission to provide material support to ISIS in whatever form that may take,” the documents state.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Said was arrested last week and remains in federal custody. Born in Houston, he spent part of his childhood in Lebanon. On Thursday, he appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

FBI Investigation and Statements

The FBI has been monitoring Said since 2017, according to Douglas Williams Jr., special agent in charge of the FBI’s Houston office.

“To those wannabe terrorists who believe they can hide behind encrypted apps or anonymous social media profiles, please understand that we will find you and we will hold you to account,” stated U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani.

Defense Claims

Baldemar Zuniga, Said’s attorney, emphasized that the charges against Said focus on videos and propaganda rather than concrete acts of terrorism.

“Despite allegations that my client made statements to government agents regarding proposed terrorist acts, the indictment does not currently allege any planning, or acts of terrorism. This appears to be a lengthy investigation and it will take some time to sift through all of the evidence,” Zuniga said.